On June 24, 2018, Nora Fotuhi gave a presentation to the Virginia Department of Rehabilitation and Aging Services (below), as a part of her application for a grant to support her non-profit organization (Concussion Superstars). Her grant was approved and she received the necessary funds she had requested. Below, are some of the slides she used for that presentation:
What Is “Concussion Superstars”?
- A non-profit organization dedicated to decreasing the number of concussions in children in Northern Virginia
- Based on information and recommendations from Center of Disease Control (CDC)
- Founded by Nora Fotuhi- A 6th Grade Student at Spring Hill Elementary School in McLean, Virginia
What Made Me Do This?
- Main reason: Father, Dr. Majid Fotuhi, is a neurologist with expertise in concussion treatment
- My dream job is to be a neurologist and help people with brain injuries
- Feel passionate about educating other kids how to prevent concussions
What Made Me Do This?
Second Reason: GABY
- My close friend, fell off her horse and got a concussion
- Was not wearing a helmet
- Had headaches for a long time
- Could not sleep at night
- Had mood swings
- Unable to focus in school
- Could have been prevented
Can Concussions be Prevented?
OF COURSE THEY CAN
- Center for Disease Control had guidelines of how concussions can be prevented in each sport
Example: Soccer
- 1 in 3 concussions among girls happens during heading the ball. So, limit heading the ball for kids under 13
- Avoid Collisions (Make it illegal)
- No hitting another player in the head
Example: Football
- ⅔ of the concussions in high school football happen when the players tackle each other
- So avoid hitting another player in the heal
- Enforce sportsmanship
- Always wear helmets
Example: Basketball
- ⅔ of the concussions among boys in basketball are from contact with another player
- So make hitting another athlete in the head illegal
What Are My Goals & Objectives?
Goals-
- Educate at least 2,000 children in Fairfax County in one year
- Reduce the number of concussions by 10% among these children
- Provide hope for those who already have had a concussion
How Will I Accomplish Goal #1?
- Prepare pamphlets
- Put together a website (concussionsuperstars.org)
- Prepare and hang posters around local schools
- Place informational ads in Cooper newsletter
- Organize a one-week summer camp and several bake sales after my soccer games
- Invite professional speakers (Inova)
- Work with Brain Injury Services of Virginia
How Will I Accomplish Goal #2?
- Provide referees and parents at our local games with my and CDC pamphlets about safety rules
- Encourage athletes with a concussion to report symptoms and leave the game
- Ask teammates to treat them as “concussion superstars”
How Will I Accomplish Goal #3?
- Make a pamphlet about all treatment centers in Northern Virginia, put them on my website
- Work with my father and BIS (Brain Injury Services) to make a pamphlet about treatment options
How Much Funding Do I Need For This Project?
Print Materials- $2,572
Furniture- $275
Food- $274
Speaker- $300
Non Profit Organization 501-C Registration and Fees- $1,000
Unplanned Expenses (website)- $2,000
TOTAL MONEY NEEDED
$6,421.00
Thank You